jiX>^^ 



P R E F A (J E 



In 18GS Commissionevs wero uppointi^d l)y tlic (Colonial Uovernmont to 

 enquire into tho extent and value of the fisheries on the New Zeahuul 

 coasts, as a natural source of wealth. 



From theii- reports, which were published in the two following years,* 

 it may he gathered that filing was at that date pursued as a regiilar 

 employment only by very few persons in proportion to the population 

 and to the demand ; and that the supply of fish, even for the local 

 markets in the chief tomis on the coast, was very insuflicient and 

 irregular, while little attention was directed to the preparation of fish, 

 either for sale in the interior or for export. Owing to various causes, 

 the statistics obtained were very imperfect, but, in a general way, it was 

 shown to be probable that, at the date mentioned, the total annual value 

 of fish brought to market in New Zealand did not exceed £15,000, 

 which may be estimated from the other data, contained in the report, as 

 equal to an average yearly consumption of about 35]l)s. weight of fish 

 by each person, taking as consumers only those who reside A^ithin reach 

 of fishing stations. During the last two years more attention has been 

 devoted to this industry, and it is worthy of special notice that several 

 factories have been established for pickling, drying, and otherwise pre- 

 serving fish for sale, so that this estimate may now be under the mark. 

 At the same time the evidence obtained by the Commissioners sufii- 

 ciently indicates that wholesome fish are abundant on every part of the 

 coast, and that our seas afibrd choice varieties, suitable both for imme- 

 diate use in the fresh state, and for p]-eserving as an article of commerce. 

 It was, however, found impossible to acquire any precise information 

 about the seasonal distribution and habits of the difterent species 

 from the want of an accepted nomenclature, and from the vague manner 

 in which the popular names of English fishes are applied in various 

 parts of the Colony. 



The following work has therefore been prepared in this Department 



with the view of establishing an uniform nomenclature, accompanied by 



sufficient descriptive details to enable persons in difierent parts of the 



Colony to follow the study of this most useful and attractive branch 



* Parliamentary Papers, 18G9-70. 



